I know Kafka was not American. I know that he wasn't even British and that he didn't speak English. He was Czech. He wrote in German. But "AMERICA" is spelled with a "C". I can't fault Kaca for this mistake. But his editors should have noticed it, I think.

"Amerika" is the German spelling of America, and likewise, Kafka wrote in German. It is not a misspelling, nor an oversight.

It amazes me how Kafka has caught the American spirit so well. Since the end of World War II, Ameirican culture has become increasng hedonistic at the expense of other nations and even our own poor. But that spirit is reflected especially so in the 1990's where we seem to have forgotten what it means to look out for one another, and have lost the meaning of true hospitality and human empathy. Perhaps, Tom Brokaw in his new book, The Greatest Generation, is right; not since our grandparents has the nation cared for it's own in such an unselfish manner. That sense of caring seems to have been lost to us today.

This book is very good as a people study. It has interesting characters whose personalities are well-described. Most of the characters are based on true family, friends and acquaintances of Klaus Mann, and he draws them very well. He vividly presents the personalities and the atmosphere of artistic life in late Weimar Republic.

However, this is supposed to be a political novel at heart, and here Mann comes across as hopelessly naive and self-indulgent. He is obviously not familiar with politics or economics of Germany. I think this was because he grew up in a overprotective artistic and intellectual atmosphere which stunted his independent development. This cluelessness results in a helpless and angry attitude of the author and of the book. I was saddened to find out that Klaus Mann committed suicide in 1946 because he was just too overwhelmed by the catastrophy that befell his Germany. It's unfortunate, because he missed the greatest period of German rebirth that started in 1948 and continues even today.

this book is one of the best books that a ever read,Klaus mann create a very good atmosfere,and very well,cuz he was inspired by real people or friends and than create those personages,VERY very very well made book and for sure,very sadly..

Why Sadly? the book just relates NAZY GERMAN at all,doesn't realate the NEW GERMANY.I know the book was wrote at this date but klaus mann doesn't use nothing to relate some imaginere future of GERMANY..just the presente and the presente...

Why I GIVE 5 STARS for a Germany strange and deep complexo book?? VERY SIMPLE,The sarcasm that klaus mann use is so funny and even so real that make me laugh at times,the personages are very well made,The nazy party are well related(NOT AT ALL)..

Conclusion: AVOID THIS one if you don't like GERMANY or World histoy or hate actors feelings or book...But if you want a book that show really how the germany was in 1936 to 1940,with excelent characters,complex and Very deep history,so this book is for you,and i'm sure that you won't be disappointed

PS: my english is very poor now,i will incrise

thankz

this book is great..and it is not for Dumb people or people who doesn't read much becowse have a diferent kind of vocabulary...But Klaus mann best romance is PRETTY GOOD.The way of he tell the history for us,and the way that he describe the characters(Mainly Heindrik) IS PERFECT AND VERY VERY Sarcastic,at the first pages,he really use the sarcastic vocabulary to show us how are the nazy and important party

VERY VERY GOOD,Not to be missed